INTEGRITY
“Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”–Prov. 19:1
Integrity is one of those things that is greatly needed but rarely found, which is a terrible shame! While we don’t have any reason to expect it from the world it is the duty of every Christian. Even unbelievers seem to know that. That’s why they are so quick to call us hypocrites when we fail. Sadly we give them plenty ammunition, and it generally shows up in what we call “the little things”. Many times we see it in the way in which we relate to our brothers and sisters in Christ– where you would least expect it.
As a pastor I have a front row seat where I am forced to see it over and over again– although I would rather not. It’s obvious because it has to do with things like manners, common courtesy, respect, etc.–things expected in school, on the job, at social events, etc. The same people who rise to the expectations in those places often refuse to show the same respect in church. They come and go and do as they please without consideration for others, even those in authority. They don’t give their best while they are there, no notice when they are absent, and no explanation when leave. They wouldn’t do it at work or in the courtroom, but don’t see it as important in the church, although we are commanded to be blameless.
It’s a shame that they aren’t more concerned about their testimony. What we do, for good or bad, has a great affect on others. Your example can be more powerful than a sermon or song. Just as Daniel’s character opened doors to a life of usefulness, being a person of integrity can give you great opportunities to be used of God. May God deliver us from hypocrisy and duplicity and help us to have a Christ-like spirit in all we do! God help us to truly live up to the title of “ladies” and “gentlemen”.–HDS
 
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

THE PERFECT PLACE
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”–Luke 24:47
We live in a troubled world and there’s not a lot we can do to change it– except where we are. I didn’t say there’s nothing we can do. We can do things like send missionaries to far away places, etc. But for the most part we are limited to the reach of our touch or the sound of our voice. And we ought to do as the old song says, “Brighten the corner where you are”.
That raises a question, “Where are you?” Are you on a sick bed, visiting a patient in the hospital, at the funeral home, dead broke, etc.? Are you at school, on the job, or in the home? Is there not something you could do to bless those around you? We can almost always find someone within arms length that could use our help. Some have the idea that nothing of note can be accomplished unless they are in a better place, travel the globe, give large sums of money, find fame, or influence lots of people. However, the fact is we can do great things right where we are. Remember, it is God, not man, who determines what’s great and what’s not. And He expects us to minister where we are and how we can. Sometimes it’s the so-called little thing,s that mean the most. A smile, hug, handshake, or a kind word can make a big difference in someone’s life.
We should never underestimate the importance of ministering to just one person. We never meet an unimportant person. Christ died for all, so our concern should extend to all. It’s not our job to decide who is important and who is not. Those you think are the least deserving of kindness probably need it the most. We need to stop with the excuses and do as God commands which is to do good to all men. He doesn’t expect us to do what we can’t and He doesn’t excuse us from doing what we can. God puts us in contact with people for a purpose. God forbid that we ignore them.
Some try to excuse themselves from duty by saying circumstances aren’t as they need to be, and that keeps them from doing what they should. There’s no excuse for that. Such a ministry doesn’t require great talent, wealth, extreme effort, or great intelligence. The only thing required is love. That is the grand motive that moves that moves us to action. Without love, Paul tells us, we are nothing. With love we cheerfully reach out to meet the needs of others and to please them. And that is well pleasing to God!—HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH
“Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”–1Tim. 2:4
The more you read, listen, and watch all the reports and theories the more you wonder if anything is as it seems. Who really shot Kennedy? Are the Clintons really involved in the many deaths of their associates? Did Hitler die or escape? Did Amelia Earhart survive? The list of questions go on and on. Some people believe in “Bigfoot”, “ghost”, “life on another planet”, and that the earth if flat. Even when you read history books you’re often left to wonder if you’re getting the facts. We would be shocked if we knew the truth about many things, some of which have never been questioned.
While those things don’t really concern me there are issues that do. We live in a world that is both corrupt and confused, and the average person has no idea where to turn for answers. While some don’t seem to care, others are searching for answers. They read all kinds of literature, dabble in different religions, explore theories, read science fiction, etc. They have enquiring minds and are looking for something they never find.
For those folks I’ve got good news and bad news. The bad news is you have wasted so much of your life. The good news is that I can tell you where to find what you’re looking for. Man’s only hope is a knowledge of the truth and the only place to find it is in the Word of God. Until we get it settled in our mind that the Bible is the infallible Word of God we will always be unsure, and peace is impossible. What you and every other person needs can only be found in Christ, who said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6) –HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

“BRAINWASHED”“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.”–Prov. 4:23“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:…”–Prov. 23:7
I recently saw a video posted on Facebook called “You Are Being Brainwashed”. It was produced by a man named Rob Dial. I had never heard of him and I’m not endorsing him, but he made some good points. He spoke about the brain just naturally looking for the negative. He said the media knows this and uses it to their advantage. I suspect most of us know that’s true. They do what they do to sell products and promote their agenda. And then there is Hollywood and the entertainment industry which has been shaping the minds of people for decades.
I don’t see how anyone could deny that the mainstream media is brainwashing people. Whether it’s through “fake” news, slanted news, or selective reporting they have colored the minds of millions who sit like zombies everyday soaking it up. You hear only what the “news” outlet wants you to hear. So I think it fair to say that they have been “brainwashed”. They no longer think for themselves. That puts them and others in grave danger. This is a major reason for the great divide we see in our nation.
We can’t change the content of what is seen in the news, but we can do something to protect  ourselves– something even more important than turning the TV off. Because our actions are dictated by what is in our heart we need a washing, a cleansing, of our heart. That’s why we need God’s Word. It purifies our heart, opens our eyes, imparts truth, and provides a light for our path. We cannot trust our heart, nor can we trust the media. We need a sure word from God that we can depend on in every situation. Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Vs. 105 says, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” The best protection against Satan’s lies is to know God’s truth. It never leads us astray!—HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

THE PIT
“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”–Psalm 40:2
The headline from yesterday read, ” Man rescued after being stuck in manhole for 6 days, police say“. The article explained, “The man was found just after 3am Monday after he fell in the hole under the Beltway 8 and Highway 59… Fire officials said he did not have any food or water while trapped“. It’s hard to imagine being in that situation.
But, believe it or not, there was a time when I was in an even worse condition! I was in a deep dark pit for 24 years! I was in the pit of sin, “having no hope, and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). Then, as the Psalmist said, the Lord– “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”. And that’s not all He did–“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”(vs. 3)
My dear friend if you are in that pit, here’s some advice for you–“Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust..”(vs.4).  Then he tells us why, “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”(vs. 5). Since that day when God delivered me I have spent a life time enjoying His blessings and I face each new day knowing the best is always yet to come!
I knew I was in a horrible pit and I wanted out, but I was helpless. I couldn’t get out and no one could help me out, but “he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up..”( Vs. 1-2). And what God did for me He will do for you. Cry out unto Him and He will deliver you also. Why would you wait? Trust Him and experience what His grace has in store!–HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346